[-Allied Worlds-]
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[All the World's a Stage]
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--{Pears in My Pockets}
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[J's Random Thoughts]
[Javen Allese's Journal]
[Kakoi Zloy Yzik]
[Mac Geek's Journal]
[Nuadha's Tale]
--{Claimh Solais}
[Spiral Moon Creations]
[Tao Te Blog]
[Prozac Conniption II]
--{The Kitchen Sink..}
[-Known Worlds-]
[WWDN]
[Penny Arcade]
[Nuklear Power]
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[Arreat Summit]
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[-Logs-]
[02.2002]
[03.2002]
[04.2002]
[05.2002]
[06.2002]
[07.2002]
[08.2002]
[09.2002]
[10.2002]
[11.2002]
[12.2002]
[01.2003]
[02.2003]
[03.2003]
[04.2003]
[05.2003]
[06.2003]
[07.2003]
[08.2003]
[09.2003]
[10.2003]
[11.2003]
[12.2003]
[01.2004]
[02.2004]
[03.2004]
[04.2004]
[05.2004]
[06.2004]
[07.2004]
[08.2004]
[09.2004]
[10.2004]
[11.2004]
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Wednesday, October 30, 2002
Yay me
I was offered a promotion - one grade level, 4% raise - to another area in the department yesterday. I've decided to take it.
I'd be an "Underwriting Specialist", which for that area, means I'd be involved with streamlining processes, maintaining the existant database that tracks the work of the entire department (our internal system can't do what they need it to, and our IT department can't work the functionality into the system until like ... 2007), as well as developing new technological solutions to making the department more efficient.
Sounds like a challange. I'm a bit nervous, and really excited too.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:51 AM ::> [
From the Work Newsletter
Learning to Say No
Many of us quickly lend a helping hand to co-workers, family and friends, only to find that we have no energy left to help ourselves. No is not a dirty word. Relearn the art of using it and free yourself from the chaos you create every day by saying yes.
Saying yes when you would, or should, say no causes stress, which can bring on physical symptoms such as headaches, shoulder tension and disturbed sleep. Don't allow others to pass their problems on to you. In such instances, saying no puts you back in control and can even improve relationships.
We may have difficulty saying no because we think it is rude, unkind or selfish. We may think that the needs of others are more important than our own or that saying no to small things is small-minded or petty. Especially at work, where we all have responsibilities to fill our days, overcommitting to other people's projects might leave you strapped for the time you need for your own assignments. Moreover, you will find that people are happier to accept an honest 'no,' rather than be faced with indecision and a refusal later on. This can lead to frustration and resentment on both sides.
So, how do we say 'no' and mean it? Simply put…you practice. Here are six different ways to put 'yes' on hold.
The Direct No
When someone asks you to do something that you do not want to do, just say 'no.' No apologizing; be direct and succinct. For instance, if someone is asking you to join them for lunch, simply say: "No, no thank you."
The Reflecting No
Here you acknowledge the content and feeling of the request and then you add the assertive refusal at the end: "I know you want to talk to me about organizing the annual department lunch, but I can't do lunch today."
The Reasoned No
This technique involves giving a brief and genuine reason for the refusal without opening up further negotiation: "I can't have lunch with you because I have a report that needs to be finished by tomorrow."
The Rain Check No
This is a way of saying 'no' to the specific request without giving a definite 'no.' It is a prelude to negotiation. It's not a rejection of the request, but only use it if you genuinely want to meet the request later: "I can't have lunch with you today, but I could make it sometime next week."
The Inquiring No
This is a way of opening up the request, to see if this is something you want to do: "I can't have lunch with you today, but is there anything else you want to talk to me about?"
Adapted from ivillage.com
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:41 AM ::> [
Tuesday, October 29, 2002
Les Américains à Paris
http://community.webshots.com/user/aular
More pics will go web-bound (probably in a webpage format) once I've gotten all the paper-photos scanned and selections made to make a decent web-album. That URL has *ALL* digital pictures taken, slightly blurry or not.
Enjoy ;)
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:06 AM ::> [
Monday, October 28, 2002
This is TOO fun
http://www.tashian.com/multibabel/
Original English Text:
One Ring to rule them all
One ring to find them.
One ring to bring them all
and in the Darkness bind them.
In the Land of Mordor, where the Shadows lie.
Translated to French:
Un anneau pour les régner chacun des un anneau pour les trouver. Un anneau pour les apporter tous et dans l'obscurité les lient. Dans la terre de Mordor, où les ombres se trouvent.
Translated back to English:
A ring to reign them each one of ring to find them. A ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them. In the ground of Mordor, where the shades are.
Translated to German:
Ein Ring, zum zu regieren sie jeder des Ringes, zum sie zu finden. Ein Ring, zum sie alle und in der Schwärzung zu holen binden sie. Im Boden von Mordor, in dem die Farbtöne sind.
Translated back to English:
A ring, to to govern it each of the ring to find to it. A ring, to it all and in the density to get bind they. In the soil of Mordor, in which the colours are.
Translated to Italian:
Un anello, a governarlo ciascuno dell'anello per trovare ad esso. Un anello, ad esso tutto e nella densità per ottenerla a legatura. Nel terreno di Mordor, in cui i colori sono.
Translated back to English:
A ring, to govern it everyone of the ring in order to find to it. A ring, to it all and in the density in order to obtain it to fastening. In the land of Mordor, in which the colors they are.
Translated to Portuguese:
Um anel, para governá-lo todos do anel a fim encontrar-lhe. Um anel, a ele todo e na densidade a fim obtê-la à asseguração. Na terra de Mordor, em que as cores elas estão.
Translated back to English:
A ring, to govern it all of the ring the end to find it. A ring, it all and in the density the end to get it it the fastening. In the land of Mordor, where the colors they are.
Translated to Spanish:
Un anillo, gobernarlo todo del anillo el extremo para encontrarlo. Un anillo, él todo y en la densidad el extremo para conseguírlela la cerradura. En la tierra de Mordor, donde están los colores ellos.
Translated back to English: (and end result)
A ring, to govern it everything of the ring the end to find it. A ring, he everything and in the density the end for conseguírlela the lock. In the Earth of Mordor, where they are the colors.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 12:58 PM ::> [
The Halloween Party was really fun :)
And ... I think it worked well, too.
You see, Jarrod and I have two (nearly) mutually exclusive sets of friends. There's one or three people who can overlap, but that's about it. We have the Gamers and the Gay Crowd.
Whenever we have a party, we usually unvite the whole pile of friends. There is usually momentary mixing of crowds around the food, but inevitibly - like oil and water - the two crowds separate on to two floors. It's rather disconcerting, I think, to pivot around the party and surf between two disparate groups.
I don't think it's an issue of NOT getting along, but more an issue of common ties. The gay crowd doesn't share the same lingo as the gamer crowd. The two groups just don't mesh together. *shrugs*
So, the party was hosted by Jack. Jarrod and I didn't attempt to forward the invitation until well after we received it from Jack (it was e-mailed pre-Paris trip, and we didn't get really consider forwarding it until after-Paris because of scheduling), and decided that time was short, the party was already going to be large, we weren't the main hosts ... and that we'd stick with the one crowd. We invited a few people who we mentioned the party to before we made the decision - but none of them showed up.
And you know what? I had fun. A lot of fun, actually. It was a good party. Folks stayed till 2am (pre-Fall-Back). We cleaned up, and it was 3 am (pre-Fall-Back) when we went to bed.
That extra hour helped immensely ;).
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:54 AM ::> [
Friday, October 25, 2002
and another
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 3:22 PM ::> [
I am Light
Option 1:
Option 2:
I'm torn between two answers on one question. I'm either Light or Wind.
The colors on that quiz weren't very good. They should have used a white text for their questions and answers - you can't see the black text on that dark background.
Ah well. It was a neat quiz. They even had my type of music listed -- Video Game! :)
via Form Follows Function
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 3:09 PM ::> [
OO! OO! OO! OOOOO!
Visit Middle Earth
I want to go!
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:12 AM ::> [
Thursday, October 24, 2002
Costumes
I've got mine figured out. I just need the tailoring skills of Mr. Matthew ... and I'll be set. He claimed it wouldn't take long. Maybe I'll bug him tonight or tomorrow and see if he's up for showing me how to stitch this thing ta'gether.
:)
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:49 AM ::> [
Wednesday, October 23, 2002
Think that's the look I want.
Going to replace the grey background with a metalish-textured thing about 2/3's or 1/2 the size. (10-15 pixels instead of 20). I'm using 20 pixels for the column and row width so that when the 10-15 pixel metal frame is put in, it'll have a slightly padded section.
Hm. Rethought - add a row and column to pad. This would probably be better on the graphics skills ;)
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 11:39 AM ::> [
10:30
Not perfect yet, but getting there. Class. More work on it thereafter.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 10:37 AM ::> [
New Look
Testing out some crazy tabling stuff ...
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 10:19 AM ::> [
Sweet Sleep
I can't seem to get any, of late.
Something's up. I think. I've not had a decent night's sleep since returning from Europe. I've gotten back onto a normal sleep-pattern, so it can't be jet-lag. It's just - I'm waking up a lot. Not getting 'quality' sleep.
This makes mornings rather zombie-esque.
Perhaps I'm subconciously preparing for Halloween?
Boo - Who?
Oh, and if you haven't RSVPed for Jack's party - you should.
And Kristen? Short of breaking or painting things, you have free reign to do as you'd like. Cobwebs. Leather Room. Whatever ;)
There's this ad-hoc Halloween USA on Wastenaw, in the old Rent-To-Own Furniture place. Think I'm going to head back there today and grab a component or two for my costume, and perhaps a 'scary' music CD. Toss that on MP3, play it in the living room as folks enter.
Would be fun ;)
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:02 AM ::> [
Tuesday, October 22, 2002
MOOOooooo
Jarrod and I are going to be calling my 'local' (Fowlerville/Howell) contact for a locally 'grown' beef. The folks are friends of my parents. They bought a lab from us when we were breeding puppies. They're 'nice' people.
Last time we spent $1.30/lb of hanging weight - which is the Moo pre-disassembled. You pay for your own processing on top of that. I think we ended up paying something close to $2.20 a pound total for all processing and what not -- but we asked for ground meat in 1 lb. packages (smaller packages mean more processing means more cash to process), etc. Out of 1/2 a Moo, we got a TON of steaks, ribs, hamburger, roasts ... good meat.
We're looking for folks who are interested in splitting a steer. Interested carnivores contact us. :)
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:38 AM ::> [
I can't seem to wake up this morning.
Gr.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:06 AM ::> [
Summoner 2
I was impressed with Summoner 2 last night. Matthew came over, and we played some video games. He showed me Summoner 2. I rather liked it. Some of the hack-n-slash affects look complex, but there's no jumping.
I'm really bad at jumping.
Might have to consider that one for my holiday list.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:54 AM ::> [
Monday, October 21, 2002
It is Monday.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 1:26 PM ::> [
Friday, October 18, 2002
 |
FIRE OF FIRE. Someone lit a fire under your ass, boy. You are energetic and active. You approach life with gusto and strive to make an impact. Your style is flamboyant and charismatic and you have no problem getting others riled up to support any cause in question. You are always honest; generally a good person. Farmers, blue-collar workers, entertainers, fire-fighters, thrill seekers are some groups of people who are Wand Kings. |
Quiz
created by Polly Snodgrass.
Both quizes via the Sweetie.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 1:40 PM ::> [
What Is Your True Aura Colour?
brought to you by Quizilla
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 1:35 PM ::> [
Freshman class
I'm taking Classical Civ 101. It's been ages since I've had an old-fashioned Midterm Exam.
Taking one shortly. Oh the Joy. Should be a breeze ;) But a hassle, none-the-less.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 10:02 AM ::> [
Thursday, October 17, 2002
Mellow Drama
<div class="ramble">
I called my mom last night.
She's decided that she needs a will. That she's going decline any further medical treatment for her condition. That if she gets pnuemonia again, she's not going to fight it.
She kept me on the phone for a good, long while with idle chit-chat. I knew something was up. When dad finally went to bed, then she started talking, and not chit-chatting. She claims she's not given up and yet, I can hear it in her voice. She's setting up my younger sister with power of attorney this weekend, giving her power to decide what medical treatments to administer, and when. She making out a will.
She claims she's not "giving up". All of her actions indicate that's she thinking about death and preparing for it. Like it's coming tomorrow. Or soon. It looks and feels and sounds like she's already given up. Her tone is defeated.
I don't understand how a 40 year old person can just ... fold. There is so much out there to live for. So much to taste, smell, breath, see, hear. So much to experience, to do, to understand. Yes, insurance companies are a pain, and are giving her a hard time. Your brother-in-law is an attorney. Seek legal action. Yes, they're not doing well financially. Apply for social security. Yes, it takes months before it will start up, and you might have to jump through a hoop or ten to get it. Start now. There's so much to live for.
She's clinically depressed. I'm fairly certain it's a chemical imbalance of some kind - that it's physiological. That medication can help. Which she just declines. She claims it makes her ill - like all medication she doesn't want to take. I can't tell where the truth ends and her fabricated world starts.
Consequently, I got to bed about 11:40. I'm still jetlagged. I'm rather tired right now, and frustrated that I can't tell her what's on my mind without her blowing up about it. My parents have always been supportive of me and I'm certain they care - but it's this unshaky, unstable and wildly random mental state that I increasingly don't know how to deal with. Actions don't map to words. Worries don't map to action. Any form of addressing the problem leads immediately into a "It's not me, its the doctors/lawyers/insurance companies/public/nurses/government/credit companies/utility companies/banks/society/THE SYSTYEM" argument with violent explosions of action and emotion (throwing things, yelling, crying). Any serious attempt to address root problems result in nothing being done about them, save a new coat of proverbial paint slapped on the front.
<deep breath>
Is it that hard to just be happy, I wonder?
</div>
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 11:23 AM ::> [
Wednesday, October 16, 2002
Via Nuadha's Tale
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 3:13 PM ::> [
We're home!
We diverted to Paris instead of Rome: Rome flights were booked solid. Paris was lovely. Pictures to follow soon.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:44 AM ::> [
Thursday, October 10, 2002
Les Mis
Was fun. I think I'd have to see it again (or hear it again) to really get the complete story. A first view through, you're mainly trying to learn people's names and figure out what's going on.
I thought it had some neat thematic elements, as well as theatrical elements. My favorite show is still Pirates of Penzeance. Fiddler on the Roof is a close second. Both shows were terribly fun to watch AND play in (pit orchestra).
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:03 AM ::> [
There are still Firsts ...
Contacted Lynn Rivers, Carl Levin and Debbie Stabenow this morning. Gave them my opinion on this Iraq-War-thing.
The basic gist was to let the UN decide these things, and tell Bush to shove it.
I put it nicer to them, though.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:00 AM ::> [
1. You are attracted to those who are unbridled, untrammeled, and free.
2. In the process of courtship, the approach that would make you feel irresistable is straight-forward, just tell you he/she loves you.
3. The impression you would like to give to your lover is loyal, faithful, never change.
4. What you hate most in your partner is that the person is ruthless, cold-blooded, and/or ironic.
5. The kind of relationship you would like to build with your partner is one that you care not only about the present but
also the future with your partner, a long-lasting relationship that you can grow with.
6. You can never be stabilized; actually, you are not suitable for marriage and you don't want to make committment.
7. You think of marriage as a precious thing. Once you get married, you'll treasure it and your partner very much.
8. At this moment, you think of love as a committment for both parties.
Via Nuadha's Tala
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:52 AM ::> [
Tuesday, October 08, 2002
lol
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/
Via Yahoo! Daily Picks
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 11:25 AM ::> [
I was off yesterday. Now you know.
I'll be off tomorrow, too.
This individual project is going to kill me, I know it.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:48 AM ::> [
Sunday, October 06, 2002
It's nice to see IRC hasn't changed much ...
So I read Book 7 of Herodotus' The Histories. Decided to check IRC before I went to bed to unwind because I can't fall asleep after reading a lot. I haven't been on IRC in ages. Channel #gay, for your reference (and my /whois info states I'm "someguy23 - bgp01138988bgs.ypwest01.mi.comcast.net"):
<DuDe21> hey
<DuDe21> asl
<someguy23> 88, female, Antarctica
<DuDe21> lol
<DuDe21> really
<someguy23> Oh yea. Looking for nice lesbian to chat with.
<DuDe21> :(
<DuDe21> i'm 21 m from montreal fucking really horny lol
<someguy23> I often had that problem when I was 21.
<DuDe21> i understand
Um ... yea. We've a winner here. Thank you, Dude. Remembered why I stopped going on IRC.
I promptly shut the program down and just played a game of Diablo to unwind, instead.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 12:32 AM ::> [
Friday, October 04, 2002
I need to find a Fast-Time Shadow
The List:
- Birthday Dinner and Club-thing (Windsor Ballet) tonight
- A Far Distant Shore on Saturday
- Kris Fazzari's Bday BBQ, Saturday
- CC101 reading: 120 pages of Herodotus' The Histories. Due Monday.
- Eng415: Freestanding Powerpoint project about a technology and its human implications. Substance and rigor of a 10 page essay. Due Thursday.
- Les Miserables performance, Wharton Center, Michigan State U, Tuesday evening.
- Prepare for trip on Thursday.
- Sleep.
- Eat.
- Breath.
I have to remember that last one. Can't forget that one.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 3:22 PM ::> [
It's an Afternoon-Coffee Kind of Day.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 3:08 PM ::> [
Wednesday, October 02, 2002
I knew most of these
from the work newsletter:
Table Manner, A career Essential
When introduced to an important person (customer, executive or visitor) at the event, respond by calling that person “sir” or “ma’am.” Use only first names when you are invited to do so.
Before the meal
- Turn off your cell phone.
- Listen closely and repeat back some of what you hear.
- Steer clear of politics and religion.
Don’t take your napkin and place it in your lap until everyone has sat down.
Ordering
- Don’t order the most expensive item.
- Do not start eating before your host.
- Try not to order foods that will splatter, like soup or pasta.
During the Meal
- Watch your body language. Don’t fidget, and keep your elbows off the table.
- Be nice to the wait staff. Say “please” and “thank you” throughout the meal.
Liquor
- Let the business event dictate whether or not to drink alcohol and always drink in moderation.
- Never drink to your own toast.
Utensils
- Crossed utensils tell the waiter you’re resting.
- Leaving them side by side in the “11:25” position of your plate means you’re finished.
Other Tips
- Don’t butter all your bread at once, and never do it in midair.
- Place your napkin on your lap.
- Leave your napkin on the chair if you must leave the table momentarily.
Adapted from Health Magazine
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:59 AM ::> [
Tuesday, October 01, 2002
Sub CheckAwake( )
Dim strName
Dim awakeFlag as Bool
Dim cuppaJo as Integer
Set strName = CurrentUser( )
Set cuppaJo = 0
Set awakeFlag = CurrentUser.CheckAwake
Do Until awakeFlag
Call CurrentUser.GetJo( )
Call CurrentUser.Imbibe( )
cuppaJo = cuppaJo + 1
awakeFlag = CurrenUser.CheckAwake
Loop
Msgbox "Thanks, " & strName & ". " & Chr(13) & cuppaJo & " cups and life is grand. Have a good day."
End Sub
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:41 AM ::> [
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